Archives for June 2015

'Nigel Bradham, linebacker ($1,658,065 cap number): Nigel Bradham was one of the best weak-side linebackers in the NFL last season, and he did it at a bargain cost. There are 21 Bills who will have a higher cap number than Bradham for the 2015 season. The bad news is Bradham is entering the final year of his team-friendly deal.'

'At 6-feet-6-inches tall and 255 pounds, Buchanan makes sense as a strong-side linebacker in Rex Ryan's defense. He should add some depth and competition that could use a bit of both. Right now, veteran Manny Lawson and second-year pro Randell Johnson are the two players that fit the mold of a strong-side linebacker.'

'Buchanan, 6-feet-6 and 255 pounds, was originally a seventh-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2013. He has four tackles, 2.0 sacks and five quarterback hits in 18 career games.'

'“I think I’m a very versatile player and can do anything that I’m asked to do,” Buchanan told Buffalobills.com. “Just from what I’ve seen so far one of the things they do is change up their defense a lot so they do need players who can take on a lot of different roles. So I think it’s a great fit.”'

'"I love it. That’s the coolest thing ever," Schlereth said on ESPN Sportscenter. "Camaraderie is so big. Chemistry is so big. And relying on one another is such an important part of football. It’s the ultimate team sport. And to be able to create opportunities to do that is worth its weight in gold."'

'“I went in to coach Todd Bowles’ office at 6:15 in the morning and we had a one-on-one talk and toward the end of the conversation that’s where I asked if I could possibly be released,” Simms said in an appearance on the John Murphy show. “We had a 10-15 minute discussion and talked the details of the situation. I appreciate the way that he handled it and talked to me like that and respecting how I felt about my situation there.”'

'“They could be the best group in the league,” Reed said Monday while taking part in the Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Tournament at Terry Hills Golf Course. “Right now,” the question is, “who’s going to be the quarterback? But talent-wise, they’re real talented guys, all of them. All of them can run, they all catch, they run good routes. I think it’s just what the makeup of the offense is going to be.”'

'“I’m buying in,” Hall-of-Fame running back Thurman Thomas said before teeing off in the tournament at Terry Hills Golf Club. “I know I’m not a part of the team, but I’m guaranteeing a playoff spot this year. You can write it down! I don’t know if it’s the sixth seed or the third or whatever, the playoff drought will end this year.”'

'“It’s awesome,” Kelly said. “I never miss it. But last year when I was in the hospital, how many people came to see me — it humbled me so much. Being able to come back here and see how many people showed up, even last night’s (Gala) event, it was so unbelievable. It was overwhelming for me.'

'"I think it should be mandatory that we have an OTA every year at a golf course; multiple, if you ask me," quarterback Matt Cassel quipped.'

'A handful of Bills were participating in the golf tournament, but Ryan didn't think it would be fair for him to join the field. "They would have to handicap the field for second place if I was playing, and they don't want to do that," Ryan joked.'

'“A lot of people I know who get that hard cancer, they get their affairs in order. But not Jim. He was bad and we were all praying for him and then, bam, look at him now. I love his strength. He’s an amazing guy.”'

'“He’s had a rough year, but look at him. He’s Kelly tough. That’s what he is. I swear to God, I’m so impressed with the man. He does not quit,” said actor Chris McDonald, recently in “Boardwalk Empire” on HBO and best known as Shooter McGavin from “Happy Gilmore.”'

'Ryan has always wanted a duel-threat quarterback in his ground attack – obviously not just Tim Tebow. Expected on the outside to just be another warm body and spare arm during OTAs, some on the inside think Taylor could start when the Bills open Sept. 13 vs. Indianapolis.'

'"Building your team is about Xs and O's, but also about family events like this," Ryan said.'